The new deal covers 197 buses, including 21 new vehicles recently introduced into service, and 500 drivers.
“We found the MiX Telematics solution simple to use, and it helped us promote a safer and more fuel-efficient driving behaviour among our drivers,” says John Bickerton (pictured), the operator’s head of engineering and innovation.
“With a 59% reduction in harsh acceleration and 14% reduction in harsh braking events, the system has proven itself thoroughly over the past three years.”
The vehicles use the Fleet Manager solution and the optional in-cab driver coaching unit, MiX Drivemate.
As well as measuring and monitoring driver and vehicle performance, this provides a vehicle health check service and battery status monitoring – described as “invaluable” by Bickerton.
He explains: “The vehicle health check service monitors CAN events and provides us with instant email alerts if parameters such as engine temperature, low oil pressure and low coolant levels are exceeded.
“These insights enable us to respond proactively by bringing vehicles into the workshop before they break down and putting out replacement buses to cover for them.”
Drivers also have access to the MyMiX app, which allows them to check their performance via a smartphone and compare it to those of their colleagues.
“Our twin telematics objectives are to generate operational benefits and enhance the overall customer experience, and MiX Telematics has enabled us to achieve significant progress in both areas,” says Bickerton.